Dhaka court sentences ousted PM Sheikh Hasina 21 year jail term after death sentence

After the most awaited political decision came to light, the court in Bangladesh on November 17 sentenced Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for being convicted in the student-led protest in 2024. The tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity in connection with the unrest. Recently Dhaka court on Thursday, November 27 has sentenced the ousted PM to 21 years in prison under the charges of corruption, a week after she was given death penalty.  

Hasina is currently residing in India and disobeying the court orders about her return to the nation. In addition to Hasina’s imprisonment, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has been given a five-year prison sentence along with a fine of Tk 100,000. Her daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, was also sentenced to five years in prison.

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The involvement of Hasina’s family are part of the legal proceedings conducted by Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in January, and their engagement in several land deals scams.  

Involved in corruption

Hasina’s conduct “demonstrates a persistent corruption mindset rooted in entitlement, unchecked power, and a greedy eye for public property”, ruled judge Abdullah Al Mamun.

“Treating public land as a private asset, she directed her greedy eye toward state resources and manipulated official procedures to benefit herself and her close relatives,” he added.

Hasina fled Bangladesh by helicopter on August 5, 2024, after weeks of student-led protests against her autocratic rule.

An interim government of Muhammad Yunus was formed to manage the country’s security and foreign affairs.  

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India’s reaction

The Indian government is currently reviewing a formal request from Bangladesh’s interim government for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal on Wednesday confirmed that New Delhi has already reviewed the documents and is not just evaluating it.  

Jaisal has also clarified that India supports Bangladesh’s legal and judicial processes. It will stay committed to the stability of the nation and ensure the well-being of the people.